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JAMB DEPLOYS NSCDC PERSONNEL TO SECURE UTME EXAM CENTRES Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been deployed to all accredited Computer-Based Test centres in Anambra State in preparation for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, which is set to begin on April 24. The Head, Media and Tactical, Anambra NSCDC, Edwin Okadigbo, stated this in a press statement on Wednesday, adding that all the 33 CBT centres across the state would have adequate security personnel. Okadigbo said the state commandant, Olatunde Maku, ordered the deployment of personnel to provide security for the examination to go smooth and without any difficulty across the state. The statement read, “Briefing the area commanders, divisional officers, heads of formations and composite commanders on Tuesday, at the State Command Headquarters Awka, the State NSCDC boss said the personnel would respond promptly to duty calls. They will provide security for the critical infrastructure, prevent intrusion of unwanted persons and uphold the integrity of the examination in all the 33 accredited CBT centres across the state. According to him, the NSCDC state commandant as warned against unauthorised persons loitering around designated CBT exam centres and advised candidates against bringing prohibited items, emphasising the command’s commitment to arrest and prosecute anyone found wanting. credit: MIKE- MEDIA

JAMB EXPRESSES READINESS FOR 2025 UTME As Nigeria braces for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has declared its comprehensive readiness to deliver a seamless testing exercise for over two million registered candidates across the country. JAMB’s Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Benjamin Fabian, made this known during an online media dialogue organised by the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN) on Wednesday. He disclosed that the examination, which begins today (Thursday), will be held across 887 centres nationwide, with more than 10,000 JAMB officials deployed to manage logistics and ensure strict compliance with examination standards. Dr Fabian assured stakeholders that no candidate was assigned to any examination centre outside their chosen town, except where capacity had been exceeded at the time of registration. He added, “What could make any candidate to be taken outside their selected exam towns and which would be the nearest one can only be when the available centres have been filled up at the time of registration.” Fabian also reaffirmed the board’s dedication to inclusivity, stating that JAMB had put in place special provisions for candidates living with disabilities, including free registration, transportation, accommodation, and feeding support throughout the examination period. Addressing concerns over the hitches experienced during the mock UTME held weeks earlier, Fabian said the issues had been fully resolved. “The technical hitches recorded during the recent mock exam, which was meant to test our preparedness and acclimatise candidates to the CBT mode, have all been fixed. There is absolutely nothing to worry about,” he said. The JAMB spokesperson also cautioned against misinformation regarding exam timing, noting that the actual start time is 8:00 a.m. “Candidates are advised to arrive at their centres early enough for biometric verification and some minutes of calm ahead of their papers. Contrary to rumours, the exam does not start at 6:30 a.m.,” Fabian clarified. In his opening remarks, EWAN Chairman, Mr Mojeed Alabi, stressed the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement in the education sector. “The UTME is a vital examination that determines the future of millions of Nigerian youths. As education journalists, we remain committed to spotlighting such pivotal issues that shape our national development,” he said. With these assurances, JAMB has reiterated its commitment to ensuring fairness, efficiency, and a level playing field for all candidates as the 2025 UTME commences nationwide. credit: MIKE-MEDIA

FG releases 50bn to ASUU, Other Varsity Unions The announcement was made by Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, through a statement released by Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo. According to the statement titled “FG Releases N50bn Earned Allowances to Varsity Unions, Tinubu Reaffirms Education Priority“, the release of funds is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s promise to support the education sector and prioritize the welfare of staff and students in higher institutions. This intervention is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them,” the Minister stated. “By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.” credit: MIKE-MEDIA